Styles of Hearing Aids
Most people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids. Just as there are different types and degrees of hearing loss, there are different hearing instruments, each with a wide range of functions and features to address a variety of individual needs.
There are four basic styles of hearing aids. All four will help with mild to moderate losses, but if the loss is more severe, choices can be more limited.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
This hearing aid is housed in a durable case that rests on the back of the outer ear. This style can address more types of hearing loss than any other. It comes in a variety of colors that blend with skin and hair color. It is also the only style that will work with severe and profound hearing losses.
A few years ago it seemed that this style would soon fade into obsolescence. Instead, BTE models have actually made a huge comeback. Today's BTE is very different from the one that our parents wore. It is known as "Open Fit Technology". This newer category has been widely available for more than three years and all major hearing aid manufacturers offer one or more models. Open-fit hearing aids are specifically designed to address high-frequency hearing loss without creating a "stopped up" feeling in the ear. A miniature device is placed on top of the ear against the head so it is essentially hidden from view. A very narrow, clear tube is then placed inside the ear canal, which delivers the sound to the ear. The ear canal is left open and sophisticated digital circuitry keeps feedback at a minimum or even non-existent. The miniature barely visible "open fit" BTE has replaced to a large extent the previously popular CIC (completely-in-the-canal hearing aid).
In the Ear (ITE)
An ITE hearing aid can address the majority of hearing losses. This size is the easiest to handle for people whose hands are no longer as nimble as they used to be. Its larger size also accommodates a larger battery, which translates to longer battery life. This hearing aid is housed in a custom made acrylic shell.
In the Canal (ITC)
You can think of an ITC as a smaller version of the ITE. Like the ITE, it is made of a custom acrylic shell that holds all the electronics. It is a good choice for those with mild or moderate hearing losses. It is smaller and less noticeable than the ITE.
Completely-in-the-Canal
(CIC)
As its name implies, it is designed to fit completely inside the ear canal. This style has cosmetic appeal, as it is barely visible. There are some additional advantages beyond cosmetic appeal with CIC hearing aids, e.g. improved telephone use, less wind noise when outdoors, and better sound localization. However, this style requires patience as it may involve more follow-up visits to arrive at a comfortable fit. The popularity of the CIC has dropped drastically due to the success of the miniaturized "Open fit" BTE discussed earlier. |
